A few years ago I wrote an article to help students applying for medical school. The article was entitled “Shine on Paper.” Below you will find the wisdom of a young first year medical student.
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When applying to professional schools, students can often have a myopic view of the application process. Many tend to write what they think the reader wants to see rather than what they truly believe or feel. But, this is not necessarily the best strategy. Take the medical school application process, it is often said that the best candidates are those with an extensive list of research publications or numerous oversea visits to build houses. While these are great experiences there are many more which have shaped each and every one of us. The civil rights activist and distinguished educator W. E. B. Du Bois once said:

“Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men.”

It is clear to many that learning take place inside and outside of the classroom. Similarly, the experiences that shape ones desire and preparation for medicine often occur outside of the stereotypical medical student training grounds. Lets see a few examples…

Here is one students response to the question: Why do you want to study medicine instead of pursuing another career?

“A career in medicine would allow me to contribute to my community on a personal and professional level. On a personal level, I want to empower patients with the knowledge they need to live healthier lives. As an advocate of education, I have co-created a pioneering high school mentorship program which aims to encourage and prepare students to pursue a post-secondary education. These experiences have given me the skills to clearly communicate to patients. On a professional level, issues of health policy are important to me. With the rapid changes in technology new policies are needed to keep pace. I want to be apart of these policies to ensure the health of Canadians.”

Here is one senior medical students critique:

“I feel there is something mildly pretentious about the response. Advocacy and leadership are somewhat nebulous ideologies and they may communicate a readiness for medicine but I am not sure how well they illustrate the passion.”

I would agree, though not so bluntly, that there is much to be desired. While leadership and advocacy are great, they seem to be used merely as buzz words and the response communicates little understanding of the medical profession. This response could benefit from a short discussion of the profession and why, despite it’s challenges, one would chose medicine above all others. Du Bois would also suggest examining a perhaps “unconventional” experience, like the response below.

One student describing what the medical profession means to them:

“I believe for a physician understanding the world around you is an important part of caring for patients. This can be seen in my experience as a factory worker. In talking to my co-workers, mostly immigrants from the Philippines, they often did not have prescriptions filled because of other financial obligations. They told me caring for their children was more important than their own health. I was touched by the compassion of these men and women. This experience emphasizes the fact patients come from various cultural and social-economic backgrounds. I believe a physician needs to appreciate these sometimes subtle differences to best help each patient as everyone is different.”

Above we can feel the words of Du Bois. The seemingly ordinary summer factory job is an experience “which molds and develops” this successful medical school applicant. By taking such an “unconventional” experience and relating it to the medical profession this student has created an original response which demonstrates an understanding of self and the medical profession – which is surely to impress any admissions officer. Add to that the emotion that the student shares with the reader and you have a response filled with great content and raw emotion.

To reiterate, there is nothing wrong with including research or more prevalent experiences in your application but do not limit yourself to those experiences alone. If anything, Du Bois’ words inspire us to be introspective and examine our life experiences to discover which ones have truly molded and motivated us to pursue medicine.

Quick Tips
Tip: When answering application questions be sure to use detailed examples. How did the experience make you and others feel? What is its significance?

Tip: Don’t be afraid to appear vulnerable; it’s ok to have weaknesses and then state what you learned from your struggles.

Tip: Do what you love. Don’t feel as though you have to do something because it will look good on your application. Du Bois teaches us that great experiences are everywhere.